When nature calls...
WANT TO FEEL HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAVE THE PLANET? LINK UP TO NATURE, WRITES DAISY FOX
YOU may have lightningfast broadband and unlimited data, but do you have a nature connection? We all feel better after a blast of fresh air in the park, seaside or forest but people with a strong nature connection consider the outdoors to be a part of their identity – they have an emotional closeness to the natural world and concern for the environment.
According to a study by the Institute of Education at UCL (University College London) for The Wildlife Trusts, children who regularly spend time outdoors feel happier, healthier and more confident.
The research also revealed that, as a result of taking part in regular outdoor play and learning activities, children showed an increase in pro-environmental values and a stronger desire to protect plants, animals and the environment.
Leanne Manchester of The Wildlife Trusts says: “We know that being outdoors makes children happier, healthier and more creative – whether that’s running through a woodland, jumping in puddles or lying in a grassland watching bees busily visit flowers.
“As Sir David Attenborough said, ‘No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced’.
“By giving children access to wildlife in their daily lives, parents not only give their children experiences that benefit their physical and mental health and wellbeing, but also foster a love of wildlife that will hopefully efully extend to adulthood.” ”
Jenny Thatcher, youth and families manager at Friends of the Earth adds: “We are living through an ecological crisis caused by humans.
“If children are isolated from nature, they will not learn to appreciate its value. We need to love something ng to fight for it.”
So how can we help our children connect with nature?
Jenny offers her advice:
BABIES
BABIES are like sponges, so the more varied sensory experiences you can give them the more they’ll love it
Get them outdoors even if just for a walk in the sling or buggy. If you can, sit them on the grass or on the beach so they can feel what it’s like on their skin.
Let them feel wind, rain and snow. You can even let them taste nature with things like blackberries!
As they grow older being outdoors will just be part of what you do as a family.
TODDLERS
SUPPORT your toddler’s curiosity and let them get stuck in!
Nature is all around, so head out into the garden or to the local park.
Grab waterproofs, a snack and a change of clothes and let your toddler get wet and muddy exploring the natural environment. Borrow a wildlife book from the library to learn about the local birds, insects and plants then see what you can spot. Che Cheap and easy acti activities could be fe feeding the ducks, c collecting different coloured leaves, drawing in the mud with sticks or even simply s standing still and lis listening to t the birds.
You could even take some twigs, tw leaves and other natural items home and do some naturebased art if you’re feeling creative!
CHILDREN
THE structured nature of most children’s lives in the 21st century means having a space where they can take measured risks and play freely is essential.
Overly sanitised environments are not healthy – for children to build a healthy immune system they need access to dirt.
Try making the outdoors a game. We organised a scavenger hunt on a Welsh mountain over the Christmas holidays with three children under 12 and they spent hours running about looking for things. Hide and seek is also a great one.
If your child is reluctant to leave their games console then try making an agreement – one hour’s outdoor playtime means you get 20 minutes extra on the Xbox.
But whenever I’ve tried this one, I’ve found that they don’t want to come in!
Being outdoors can be enormously exciting for children of this age if you let them learn what they’re capable of.
This might mean reining in your worries somewhat but keep an eye on them and they’ll be fine.
Let them climb trees, slide down hillsides, build dens and walk through streams.
Go out at different times of day, or in different weather, grab a torch and go stargazing, build a campfire in the garden and toast marshmallows.
CHILDREN have been doing amazing things for the planet for years, but the past 12 months have really seen this ramp up.
Figures such as Greta Thunberg have inspired the amazing global school strike movement showing just what young people can achieve.
Climate breakdown is the biggest threat the planet has ever faced, so it’s vital for young people to be holding decision-makers to account.
Get political and write to your MP. It’s their job to listen to you. By being vocal you can put more pressure on politicians and make them act on climate change.
Start an environmental group at school, perhaps hosting an assembly or discussion groups during your lunch break to get everyone involved.
You can send a survey round your school to find out which environmental issues students and staff are most concerned about.
Also, try cutting out meat or eating less of it. Suggest to your family that, one day a week, dinner is meat-free.
You can also ask your school to offer more meat-free options.
Even small personal actions can make a big difference when they inspire others, so whatever you do make sure you tell your friends and family what you’re doing and why.
■ For plenty of nature-inspired activities, visit wildlifetrusts.org/ actions and sign up to be a planet protector at friendsoftheearth.uk/ about-us/planet-protectors-inspireyour